Linda Vap, founder, president and CEO of HuHot Mongolian Grill, started off as a scientist. She and her husband then teamed up in 1979 to become one of the first Godfather's Pizza franchisees. A leader with many years of experience on both sides of the franchise business, she shares what she's found to be important for women who aspire to lead.

Vap was a Godfather's Pizza franchisee for years until she transformed a struggling Godfather's unit into the first HuHot in 1999. In 2002, HuHot sold its first franchise and its now spans most of the Midwest with about 60 units in 16 states.

…Advice to women looking to lead
"If given the opportunity, take a chance on it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, as they say. Be confident, be kind, be willing to suggest new ideas, be a creative thinker, learn ALL aspects of the business, delegate well and train others in what you know. Don't get walked on, don't fall into the trap of saying, 'I'll just do it myself because it's faster than training someone to do it.'" — Cherryh Cansler, FastCasual